DeFiLlama flags Aster for suspected wash trading and moves to delist perps volume data

DeFiLlama has decided to delist the perpetual volume data for Aster due to concerns over its integrity. The analytics platform found that the trading volumes on Aster were almost perfectly correlated with those on Binance, raising red flags about the reliability of the data. This decision is significant as it highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and trust within the decentralized finance space, which is crucial for attracting users and investors.

Aster, the perpetual futures exchange backed by CZ, has seen a remarkable surge in activity, handling over $571 billion in weekly volume. Despite a recent cooling off, the fundamentals indicate that the platform is poised for further growth. This is significant as it highlights the increasing interest and investment in cryptocurrency trading, suggesting a robust market ahead.

In September, Aster achieved a remarkable milestone by dominating the decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volume, reaching an unprecedented $1.4 trillion in perpetuals. This achievement not only highlights Aster's growing influence in the cryptocurrency market but also reflects the increasing interest and participation in decentralized finance. As more traders flock to DEX platforms for their trading needs, Aster's success could signal a shift in how trading is conducted, emphasizing the importance of innovation and user-friendly platforms in the evolving financial landscape.

DoubleZero's co-founder has confirmed that the foundation has not sold any tokens, which is a significant compliance milestone. This transparency is likely to boost investor confidence and could accelerate the adoption of their high-speed data network, making it an important development in the cryptocurrency space.

Tether is making headlines as it teams up with Antalpha to raise $200 million for a new public vehicle aimed at stockpiling XAUt, its gold-backed token. This initiative is significant as it reflects the growing interest in tokenized assets and could pave the way for more innovative financial products in the cryptocurrency space. By backing their token with gold, Tether is not only enhancing the credibility of its offerings but also providing investors with a stable asset in a volatile market.

Robinhood has made a significant move by listing four Bitcoin-backed credit instruments from Strategy, which opens up new opportunities for retail investors to access structured yield products. This development is important as it enhances the accessibility of cryptocurrency investments, allowing more people to participate in the growing digital asset market.

The Ethereum Foundation is making a significant move by converting 1,000 ETH into stablecoins through CoWSwap. This conversion is aimed at funding research and development, grants, and donations, which highlights the Foundation's commitment to advancing the Ethereum ecosystem. This decision not only strengthens the Foundation's financial position but also supports various initiatives that can drive innovation and growth in the blockchain space.

Solana has made headlines with a remarkable $326 billion in decentralized exchange (DEX) volume for the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a significant 21% increase. This surge not only underscores Solana's growing influence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space but also highlights the increasing interest from institutional investors. As more innovative financial products emerge, Solana is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of digital finance.

MARA's recent acquisition of 52,850 Bitcoin, valued at over $6 billion, underscores a growing trend among corporations to integrate digital assets into their financial strategies. This move not only positions MARA as a significant player in the cryptocurrency space but also reflects a broader shift in how companies are managing their treasury reserves. As more businesses adopt Bitcoin, it could reshape traditional financial practices and influence market dynamics.

Standard Chartered has made an exciting prediction that Bitcoin could reach a new all-time high as soon as next week. This potential surge is significant as it may lead to increased institutional adoption of Bitcoin, which could have a ripple effect on global financial markets and influence digital asset policies. Investors and market watchers are keenly observing this development, as it could reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency.

The recent surge in BNB, surpassing $1.1K, has shifted the spotlight onto ecosystem tokens like Pancakeswap's CAKE, which has seen a remarkable 30% increase in just 24 hours. Newer tokens like ASTER are also gaining traction with an 18% rise. This trend highlights a growing interest in fundamental plays within the crypto market, even as meme coins like FLOKI and CAT lag behind. This shift is significant as it indicates a potential maturation of the cryptocurrency market, moving beyond speculative investments.

Despite the rising competition in the perpetual decentralized exchange (DEX) space, DeFi analyst Patrick Scott believes that Hyperliquid remains the best-positioned player. He highlights its strong revenue, open interest, and robust ecosystem as key factors that contribute to its staying power. This insight is significant as it suggests that Hyperliquid could continue to thrive even as new competitors emerge, making it a noteworthy player in the evolving DeFi landscape.

In a surprising turn of events, the Russia-linked stablecoin issuer A7A5 is set to exhibit at the Token2049 conference in Singapore, despite facing sanctions. This development raises questions about the implications for the cryptocurrency market and regulatory landscape, as it highlights the ongoing tension between innovation in digital currencies and compliance with international laws. The presence of A7A5 at such a prominent event could signal a shift in how sanctions are navigated within the crypto space, making it a topic worth watching for investors and regulators alike.

The founder of XEC has unveiled an innovative plan for instant-finality using Avalanche's pre-consensus technology. This development is significant as it promises to enhance transaction speeds and reliability in the blockchain space, potentially attracting more users and investors to the platform. By leveraging Avalanche's capabilities, XEC aims to position itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

XRP is showing promising signs as it has successfully defended its support level at $2.90 and is making attempts to break past $3.10. While it hasn't surged as dramatically as Bitcoin and Ethereum recently, the recent price movements have created a new technical setup that historically precedes significant rallies. This could indicate that XRP is poised for a bullish trend, making it an exciting time for investors.

The GENIUS Act is set to revolutionize the banking landscape by allowing stablecoin issuers to compete directly with traditional banks for retail depositors. This shift is seen as a significant win for everyday consumers, potentially ending the long-standing banking rip-off. As the act takes full effect, it could lead to more favorable conditions for depositors, making banking more accessible and fair.

SBI Ripple Asia is making waves by expanding the use of the XRP Ledger for tokenized tourism and commerce payments. This initiative is significant as it not only enhances the efficiency of transactions in these sectors but also promotes the adoption of blockchain technology in everyday business. By leveraging the XRP Ledger, businesses can expect faster and more secure payment processes, which could revolutionize how tourism and commerce operate in Asia.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a surge, driven by Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high and a weaker dollar, which has boosted investor confidence. Notably, tokens like SPX, FARTCOIN, and AIC have emerged as significant movers, reflecting a growing interest in meme and AI-related cryptocurrencies. This uptick is important as it signals a renewed enthusiasm in the crypto space, potentially attracting more investors and influencing market trends.